Italy has a fantastic high-speed rail network linking the major towns and cities, making it easy to get around Italy by train. Train travel is affordable, fast and reliable in Italy and there are many great itineraries by rail. This Italy train itinerary includes some of the country’s most loved cities and ends with a few days at the beach on the beautiful Amalfi Coast.
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Travelling Italy by train
You have two options for an Italian train holiday: either purchase an Italian rail pass or buy individual point-to-point tickets.
Italian Rail Pass
The Eurail Italy Pass offers the option of 3, 4, 5, 6, or 8 non-consecutive train travel days within one month, depending on the pass you purchase. This can often be cheaper than buying individual tickets, but it depends on the route and dates of travel – so double-check before you purchase. The benefit of buying a pass is the flexibility it offers, as you don’t have to book a specific train and can keep your trip more open and relaxed.
Individual Tickets
It can work out cheaper to buy point-to-point tickets, especially if you book well in advance. This also ensures you get a spot on your chosen train.
The only real way to work it out is to total up the cost of each journey and then work out which costs less.
Italian Train Itinerary
This is a 10 day Italy train itinerary, from north to south. If you have longer, consider adding a few nights in Verona or Milan at the beginning or continuing onto Calabria or Puglia at the end. For a week-long itinerary, consider reducing the nights spent in Bologna, Florence and Rome to one.
Day 1-2 Venice
Start your trip in Venice. From Marco Polo Airport, you can take the Alilaguna airport boat across the lagoon to the city, which takes about 40 minutes, depending on where you get off. Or you can take a bus, which is cheaper, but not as fun!
Venice really is a city unlike any other, and its popularity is well-deserved. There is a lot to see and do here, such as the iconic landmarks like St. Mark’s Basilica and the Grand Canal, but it’s also a fabulous place to just wander. Explore the many lanes, alleyways and piazzas, take in the stunning architecture from a gondola or boat and visit some of the other Venetian islands.
Things to Do in Venice
- Take a gondola ride and experience the city’s enchanting waterways up close.
- Savour cicchetti and sip on a spritz along the vibrant Fondamenta dei Ormesini.
- Explore the charming island of Burano, known for its colourful houses and intricate lacework.
- Tour a glass-blowing workshop in Murano and witness the artistry behind Venetian glass.
- Visit the iconic landmarks in Piazza San Marco, including the stunning Basilica di San Marco, the historic Torre dell’Orologio, and the majestic Doge’s Palace.
- Plan your visit during Carnevale or the Venice Biennale to experience the city’s cultural festivities at their peak.
- Wander through the quiet alleys and hidden courtyards of Venice to discover lesser-known gems and local artisan shops.
- Take a stroll across the Rialto Bridge and explore the bustling Rialto Market for a taste of local life.
Where to Stay in Venice
Budget – B&B Exclusive offers Venetian-style rooms with shared bathrooms, just a 5-minute walk from Venezia Santa Lucia Train Station and Piazzale Roma.
Mid-Range – Ca’ Amadi is located in a 13th-century palace, is only a 5-minute walk from the Rialto Bridge.
Luxury – Residenza d’Epoca San Cassiano is a 14th-century villa adorned with antiques and Murano glass chandeliers, overlooks the Grand Canal and is a 5-minute walk from the Rialto Bridge.
Super Luxury – Baglioni Hotel Luna is a prestigious 5-star hotel just 80 meters from Saint Mark’s Square, that offers stunning views over the lagoon.
From Venice, it is a 1 hour 35 minute direct train to Bologna.
Day 3-4 Bologna
Bologna is one of my favourite Italian cities, and somewhere I would love to live at some point. It is often referred to as “La Grassa, La Dotta, La Rossa” (The Fat, The Learned, The Red). La Grassa refers to the excellent food in the city and the wider Emilia Romagna region, often considered the best in Italy (though other regions will disagree!). La Dotta refers to the University of Bologna, which is the oldest university in the Western world and La Rossa is because Bologna is a liberal, left-leaning city, which makes it very welcoming and open-minded. In addition to this, the city is full of beautiful architecture and picturesque porticoes and is very easy to get around on foot.
Things to Do in Bologna
- Take a food tour to learn about the city’s culinary heritage and history.
- Wander through the Quadrilatero, Bologna’s oldest market area, and stock up on local treats.
- Enjoy gelato at Oggi Gelato, the best in the city in my opinion.
- Visit Mercato delle Erbe for a light lunch or snacks.
- Explore the University of Bologna and its 14 museums in the University district.
- Climb Torre dell’Orologio for stunning views of the city and explore the Municipal Art Collections.
- Explore Bologna’s UNESCO-listed Porticoes, including the longest in the world – Portico San Luca – and the 666 arches that lead to Santuario di Madonna di San Luca, a beautiful church on a hill overlooking the city. If you don’t fancy the walk there is also a tourist bus called the San Luca Express that takes you up to the top.
- Eat traditional Bolognese cuisine like tagliatelle al ragu, lasagne and tortelloni at some of the excellent restaurants, including Osteria Della Lanterna, Osteria Zerocinquantello, Sette Tavoli and Osteria Bartolini.
- Take a Bologna cooking course.
Where to Stay in Bologna
There are some great apartments and hotels in the centre of Bologna. Recommendations include:
Budget – Suite del Borgo – Affittacamere offers affordable studio accommodation just outside the University district with air-conditioning and free WiFi
Mid-Range: I had a wonderful stay at Residenza Ariosto by Studio Vita, which features a variety of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments in a historic building in central Bologna. The apartments come with fully equipped kitchens, air conditioning, and complimentary WiFi.
Luxury: Portobello Apartments offers centrally located one and two bedroom apartments, some with two-story layouts and terraces, providing a luxurious stay in Bologna.
Super Luxury: The prestigious The Grand Hotel Majestic “già Baglioni” is Bologna’s oldest hotel, housed in an 18th-century palace in the city centre. This five-star hotel features spacious rooms adorned with frescoes and antique furniture, offering an elegant and historic atmosphere.
It’s a 38 minute direct train from Bologna to Florence.
Explore all of our Italy itineraries and road trips
Day 5-6 Florence
Florence is a must-visit city for art lovers, but even if you’re not an artsy type, there are plenty of other reasons to visit the Renaissance city. For me, the main one is food. The Tuscan capital is a foodie paradise, with local dishes including bistecca alla Fiorentina, pappardelle al cinghiale (wild boar pasta), fettunta (Tuscan bruschetta) and ribolita (Tuscan bean stew). The city’s markets, like the famous Mercato Centrale, are bursting with fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and cured meats. The city’s architecture, from the iconic Duomo to the charming Ponte Vecchio, is incredible, and everything is within easy reach, making it perfect for exploring on foot.
Things to Do in Florence
- Savour Bistecca alla Fiorentina, the iconic Florentine steak that’s a must for meat lovers.
- Stroll across Ponte Vecchio, Florence’s historic bridge lined with unique jewellery shops, offering views of the Arno River.
- Wander through Piazza della Signoria, where you’ll find the grand Palazzo Vecchio, the Fountain of Neptune, and the statue of Perseus with the Head of Medusa.
- Take a street food tour to try Tuscan delicacies.
- See Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia Gallery.
- Marvel at the Florence Cathedral (Duomo) and its magnificent dome designed by Brunelleschi. Don’t miss the intricate façade and historic interior.
- Climb Giotto’s Campanile next to the Duomo for panoramic views of Florence—a great way to see the city from above.
- Explore the Uffizi Gallery, home to Renaissance art, including masterpieces by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Raphael.
- Relax in the Boboli Gardens behind Pitti Palace, where you can wander through beautifully landscaped pathways and admire sculptures and fountains.
- Visit the Basilica of Santa Croce, the final resting place of some of Italy’s greatest minds, including Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli.
- Dive into local life at Florence’s vibrant markets like Mercato Centrale, where you can sample Tuscan delicacies and pick up fresh produce.
Where to Stay in Florence
Budget – Residenza Conte di Cavour & Rooftop is an affordable spot just 200 meters from the Accademia Galleries with a rooftop terrace.
Mid-Range – Relais Piazza Signoria features stylish studios and apartments, with some offering private terraces, located on the corner of Piazza Signoria.
Luxury – The 4-star Hotel Berchielli offers tastefully decorated rooms in a classic style with antique furnishings and thoughtful details. The elegant 4-star hotel sits along the River Arno, boasting beautiful views of Ponte Vecchio.
Find accommodation in Florence
It’s around 2 hours 15 minutes from Florence to Rome by train.
Read our recommended Italy itineraries.
Day 7-8 Rome
The Italian capital is also the country’s most visited city, and there is no shortage of attractions in Rome. Two days doesn’t do the city justice, but you can squeeze in some of the main sites, enjoy Roman cuisine and allow time to wander the vibrant streets.
Things to Do in Rome
- Spend a morning taking in the history of Vatican City and the Sistine Chapel.
- Explore the world’s most famous arena, the Colosseum.
- Marvel at the ancient Pantheon, a former Roman temple.
- Wander through the ruins of Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum.
- Enjoy the views of the city from Gianicolo Hill.
- Have an aperitivo and dinner in the Trastevere district.
- Toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain.
- Climb the Spanish Steps.
- Unwind at the scenic Villa Borghese.
- Sip rooftop drinks at Hotel Cesari or one of the other stunning rooftop bars in Rome.
- Indulge in classic Roman dishes like carbonara, cacio e pepe, and supplì.
Where to Stay in Rome
My favourite area is Trastevere, which is just over the river Tiber in the west of the city. It’s a lovely neighbourhood, full of little bars and cafés. But anywhere central is perfect for exploring the sites.
Budget – Dulcis In Fundo is located on the main street in Trastevere. This historic building offers modern, air-conditioned rooms.
Budget – Lungotevere Ripa has air-conditioned rooms with river views in Trastevere.
Budget – Residenza San Calisto offers rooms and apartments in a renovated historical building in Trastevere.
Mid-range – Domus Monamì has elegantly furnished rooms in a historic Roman building in Trastevere, complete with a lovely terrace and shared lounge.
Luxury – Hotel Palazzo Manfredi offers breathtaking views of the Colosseum from the rooftop terrace, with some rooms overlooking the Roman Forum.
Luxury – Singer Palace Hotel is situated on the famous Via del Corso, just 350 meters from Trevi Fountain. This hotel features a rooftop restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
It’s around two hours by train from Rome to Salerno, where you can then take a 40 minute ferry to the town of Amalfi, or 50 minutes to Positano.
Day 9-10 The Amalfi Coast (via Salerno)
End your Italian train holiday on the stunning Amalfi coast. This is the perfect spot to wind down and enjoy a few days swimming, relaxing in the little bays and sampling some of the delicious food on offer in this beautiful part of Italy.
Things to Do on The Amalfi Coast
- Visit the little town of Praiano, which has some lovely restaurants and two small beaches Gavitella (stunning views of Positano and Capri, all-day sun, accessed by a long staircase) and Marina di Praia (a natural fjord with a diving centre and a great restaurant).
- Relax on the black sand beach in Positano and marvel at the dramatic cliffside setting and pastel-coloured buildings, as well as shopping at the boutique stores and dining at high-end restaurants.
- Explore the historic town of Amalfi, visit the beautiful cathedral and enjoy lunch or dinner on one of the many piazzas.
- Head up to the hilltop town of Ravello, known for stunning views and beautiful villas.
- Visit smaller, quieter spots like Maiori, Minori, Atrani, and Cetara for a more relaxed experience.
- Hire a boat for the day to explore the coastline from the water (a bit pricey but worth it).
- Explore the ancient cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum
- Take a day trip to Capri, either on a tour or by ferry from Positano and Amalfi.
- Hike the Path of the Gods, a 6km (3.5 mile) trail above Positano and Praiano offering incredible views.
Where to Stay on The Amalfi Coast
Budget – Hotel Villa Bellavista is a great family-run hotel in Praiano with air-conditioned rooms and an Italian-style breakfast.
Budget – A Scalinatella is a family-run hostel in Atrani offering dorms and private rooms in a number of buildings around the village. Breakfast is complimentary, and linen and towels are included along with free WiFi.
Budget – Locanda Costa D’Amalfi is located just outside of Amalfi and there is a free shuttle service into the historic centre. Some of the rooms have sea views and there is a beach a short walk from the hotel.
Budget – Filù Rooms Paradise Tower has incredible views of the sea, mountains and the town in Minori and is 200m from the beach. The triple and quadruple rooms are great for families.
Budget – Albergo Riviera is a family-run accommodation just 20m from the beach in Maiori. En suite rooms have air conditioning and free Wi-Fi, some with a balcony. Italian-style breakfast is available and can be enjoyed on the roof terrace.
Mid-Range – Set in a 17th-century olive press, family-run Villa Il Frantoio in Praiano has the most incredible views of Positano, Praiano and the water – particularly from the pool and sun terrace. All rooms have a sea-view balcony or terrace.
Mid-Range – Albadamare Boutique Hotel is also in Praiano, with a terrace, garden and bar overlooking the sea. All rooms are air-conditioned, some with sea views. The hotel is 1.3 km from Gavitella Beach.
Luxury – Hotel Eden Roc Suites has incredible views of Positano. There is a pool, a spa and a gym, as well as a restaurant and a sun terrace.
Luxury – Another accommodation to book for the views, Hotel Poseidon has a stunning sun terrace where you can enjoy dinner in the summer months. There is an outdoor pool and a wellness area with a Turkish bath excavated in the rocks. It’s a short walk to the beach and Positano’s historic centre.
Luxury – Considered one of the best hotels in the world, the luxurious 5-star San Pietro di Positano has a private beach and a Michelin-starred restaurant. There are two bars, a tennis court, a pool and a spa. Parking is free, along with a free shuttle bus to Positano. It’s very expensive to stay here, but if you can afford it, this is the place to stay in Positano.
From the Amalfi Coast, the closest airport to fly out of is Naples. The easiest option is to take a taxi to the airport, though it’s not the cheapest. The nicest is to take the ferry to the port in Naples and from there take a 15 minute taxi or 30 minute bus to the airport.
